So I guess I've been shifting wrong

Okay. I was taught on a straight ten speed. When I bought my first truck, it came with a 13 speed. I watched some youtube videos and hit the road. Well, seems like every one on youtube is shifting wrong as well.

Lately I've had some problems with the range selector and have been doing research. In my research I have found I am not shifting correctly. Aside from the range selection which I seem to be doing mostly correct. The only thing I seem to be doing incorrectly with the range selection is not waiting till right before the shift to select the high or low range. Pre-selecting too soon, causes unnecessary friction.

Okay, now onto splitting gears. I was pre-selecting the splitter before the gear change. Looks like that's wrong. For example: I would shift from 5 high to 6 low by pre-selecting low splitter and then shifting into next gear. The correct way as it seems is to shift from 5 high to 6th gear, then select low splitter.

Another problem of mine is I only double clutched in school and the CDL state exam. First day on the job I was taught how to float the gears, and would only use the clutch to get out of a gear if it was bound up say going down a hill and already off the throttle. I think I'll start to incorporate the clutch a lot more.

My range selection issue has been there since I bought the truck, and I doubt I could have done anything to prevent its issue. From my research a syncro or clutch disk is out on the back half. I was kinda hoping it was just an air leak in the range selection switch, and simply required a new gasket or O ring. Haven't taken it to a shop yet. From what I hear I can just continue to drive it like that and it's just something I have to deal with until it just won't work at all.

Here's a video of a proper high gear split shift I found that seems to make everyone else on youtube wrong.



Anyone have a really good experience in Kansas City with a transmission mechanic?? I might be in the market soon.....Seems like the days my equipment isn't working correctly are the days I miss holding the wheel for a company.

 

Direct is low, OD is high on the splitter. Only difference for the 18 speed is you can split the low range gears.

The biggest mistake I guess I'm making is I'd grab the low splitter before a gear change. I'll be trying the correct method on my next trip. Grabbing the next gear then splitting from OD back to direct before engaging clutch. Hopefully without making big loud grinds and bangs....